Ohio University’s speech and debate team took first place in all but one category at a weekend “warm-up” tournament.
The Speaking Bobcats competed against five other Ohio universities at Saturday at Muskingum University in New Concord for the Ohio Forensics Association Fall Workshop and Tournament.
In the team sweepstakes, dramatic duo, dramatic interpretation, persuasive speaking, program oral interpretation and prose interpretation categories, OU students took first place. The Speaking Bobcats received second place in the impromptu speaking category.
“What’s really impressive is that we were at or near the top of every event we took,” said Dan West, John A. Cassese director of forensics, who leads the Speaking Bobcats.
The team is still in training for the season that starts in two weeks, and a group made up primarily of Speaking Bobcat veterans pulled in 11 awards at this weekend’s tournament, which West called a “warm-up” tournament.
Last year, the Speaking Bobcats were ranked fifth in the nation, and West said he expects the group to place as well or better this year.
The group’s success provides a well-rounded picture to potential students, West added.
“The cool thing is that Ohio has great athletics, but we also excel in academic competitions, too,” he said. “It makes for a stronger school.”
rm279109@ohiou.edu
